The purpose of this chapter is to provide a process for approving area development plans. Area development plans may provide guidance to areas needing special attention due to their location or proximity to certain types of streets or uses, or may consider a land use strategy for an area, or may address other planning issues associated with current and future development of an area such as vehicle circulation or access to the area of consideration. Area development plans may serve as a guide to be followed when subsequent discretionary actions are considered by the City for those areas in which the area development plans apply, or may entitle specific development of an area. (Ord. 5920 § 1 (part); June 8, 2004: Ord. 6031 § 58; August 22, 2006.)

   .010   Preparation. To comply with good planning principles and to achieve the objectives of the General Plan, the City staff shall identify those areas where an area development plan is desired. The City staff shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, area development plans.

   .020   Effect of Approval. Following approval of an area development plan, subsequent discretionary actions, such as conditional use permits or reclassifications or subdivisions, shall be consistent with the area development plan. Approval of an area development plan does not, by itself, necessarily constitute approval of any specific project or action. In approving an area development plan that entitles specific development for an area, the Planning Commission may establish such conditions as it determines to be reasonably necessary to protect the public health and safety, to promote the general welfare, and to insure development in accordance with the approved plan. (Ord. 5920 § 1 (part); June 8, 2004.)

   The approval authority for area development plans is the Planning Commission. An area development plan, if approved, shall be adopted by resolution. (Ord. 5920 § 1 (part); June 8, 2004.)

   Before the Planning Commission, or City Council on appeal, may approve an area development plan, it must make findings of fact, by resolution:

   .010   That the area development plan is consistent with the provisions of the General Plan and any specific plans that have been adopted for the area; and

   .020   The approval of the area development plan does not include any variance or any action for waiver of any specific provisions of the Zoning Code; provided, however, that the ability of the Planning Commission or City Council to grant subsequent variances shall not be affected. (Ord. 5920 § 1 (part); June 8, 2004: Ord. 6156 § 40; September 22, 2009.)

   A noticed public hearing shall be held prior to approval of an area development plan. The procedures for processing an area development plan are set forth in Chapter 18.60 (Procedures). (Ord. 5920 § 1 (part); June 8, 2004.)